Melanie Cooper, the Lappan-Phillips Professor of Science Education at Michigan State University, received the 2020 Education Award from the Education Division of the Royal Society of Chemistry in the United Kingdom. Professor Cooper was recognized for her outstanding accomplishments in designing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based chemistry curricula and catalyzing the careers of many chemistry education researchers.
“Of course, it is an honor to win an award; but this one, coming as it does from the Royal Society of Chemistry is extra special,” said Dr. Cooper, noting that she is originally from Manchester, England. “This award is in recognition of my work in chemistry education research and curriculum development, and for mentoring some of the next generation of chemistry education scholars. I am proud of both aspects of my career, and it means a lot to me to be recognized for my efforts.”
Professor Cooper is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Chemical Society, and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Also, she is a member of the National Research Council Advisory Board on Science Education.
Dr. Cooper holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Manchester in England.